MNRE Issues Testing Guidelines for Inverter RMS Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued detailed testing guidelines for inverter-based remote monitoring systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to standardise communication, strengthen cybersecurity, and enable seamless integration with a centralised IoT-based SCADA platform.
April 02, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
The guidelines aim to establish a structured framework for testing and validation of inverter communication systems to ensure seamless integration with the Ministry’s upcoming centralised IoT-based SCADA platform, MNRE stated in a notification. The move builds upon earlier compliance requirements issued in July and December 2025, further tightening the technical and operational ecosystem for rooftop solar deployments.
At its core, the framework focuses on ensuring robust communication architecture, secure data exchange, and reliable system performance. It lays out detailed protocols covering API-based communication, MQTT messaging structures, and adherence to global standards such as IEC, TCP/IP, and TLS encryption. The guidelines also mandate strict cybersecurity provisions, including IMEI-based device identification, TLS certificate authentication, and AES-256 encryption for secure data transmission.
From a functional standpoint, the testing checklist spans multiple layers of system validation – ranging from device configuration and inverter communication to energy meter integration and cloud connectivity. Manufacturers are required to demonstrate compliance across structured data formats, including JSON-based reporting templates for various inverter types, energy meters, and control systems.
The framework also outlines specific communication modes such as periodic data push, event-based alerts, and on-demand data retrieval, ensuring real-time visibility and operational flexibility. Connectivity standards include support for RS485 and MODBUS protocols for inverter communication, along with LAN, Wi-Fi, and cellular (4G/5G) interfaces for remote monitoring.
To facilitate implementation, MNRE has provisioned an interim testing platform, enabling OEMs and datalogger manufacturers to validate their systems before full-scale deployment. Stakeholders are required to submit detailed device specifications, along with OEM declarations, for testing and certification.
Importantly, the guidelines mandate features such as local configuration interfaces, HTTP APIs for device setup, and built-in real-time clocks for timestamped data logging. Storage requirements ranging from 16 MB to 256 MB have also been specified to ensure adequate data retention capabilities.
This development signals a clear policy push towards digital standardisation and transparency in the rooftop solar segment. By enforcing uniform testing protocols, the Ministry aims to enable reliable data flow, improve system performance monitoring, and strengthen grid integration as the country scales distributed renewable energy under the PM Surya Ghar initiative.
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